Medano Fire in Sand Dunes National Park (Image 2)

On the afternoon of June 23, 2010, winds from the east began stirring up the Medano Fire in Sand Dunes National Park near Alamosa, Colo., blowing smoke toward the dunes. The fire, which had consumed about 5,000 acres in a remote section of the park, was apparently started by lightning. Firefighters kept a close eye on the blaze but generally let it burn in the mountains, since periodic fires are important for forest health. (Date of Image: June 2010) [Image 2 of 4 related images. See Image 3.]
Credit: David Hosansky, Head of Media Relations, National Center for Atmospheric Research